Berne Library Notes for Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Entering a rollover into the second quarter of 2023, April Fool’s Day is fast approaching. Have you ever tried to pick up that penny superglued to the floor? Or been fooled by the rubber vomit by the stairs? How about wearing two different colored socks?

Oh, wait. That happens all the time in some places. Who has time to match socks?

But serious or not, April Fool’s Day origins remain a mystery. Historians, longing to solve this yearly nod from pranksters and jokesters, have formulated theories based on the Roman festival of “Hilaria,” the medieval celebration called the “Feast of Fools.” and France’s switch from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian in the 16th century.

News of the switch traveled slowly with many continuing to celebrate the new year at the arrival of spring rather than Jan. 1. Those staying with the old ways were ridiculed. Wherever this day of silly fun started, it looks like it’s here to stay.

Coming up

All jokes aside, it’s time to set up the spotlight on programs in the library line-up:

— Starting with Book Club at 5 p.m. on April 2,  the group is discussing “Anxious People,” by Swedish author Fredrik Backman. A quirky comedy involving eight strangers wrangled into a situation none could have seen coming. There’s a bank robber, hostages, an apartment open house, and a whole lot of grievances ready to spill into the mix;

— On Monday, April 3 at 6 p.m. you are invited to participate in a Cancer Screening Awareness program being made available to you by Cooperative Extension program educator Hesan Waly. Learn the importance of cancer screening that can often find disease in people with no signs of sickness. Bring your questions, leave with knowledge and answers;

— Tuesday, April 4 is story time at 10:30 a.m. for the 4-and-under kids. Hear stories, dance around, play games, and create;

— This is followed by Homeschool Hangout on the 5th at 11 a.m. for all homeschooling families to relax, share ideas and strengthen community; and

— Author/Illustrator Logan Kline is visiting the library on April 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This “Making a Picture Book” workshop is geared toward teens and adults. Reserve your seat today for this hands-on workshop.

Word of the Month

And finally, the Word of the Month Club steps into fun with the Roman Empire as they walk the fine line of quid pro quo. Coming from the Latin meaning “this for that” or “something for something,” it’s a kind of bartering system. Although it can sometimes fall into murky territory, the Word of the Month Club is working with the positive side of quid pro quo. 

“Hey, I know you are good with computers and I see you are very busy. How about you give me a few computer lessons in exchange for mowing your lawn.” Quid pro quo.

The club’s having a quid pro quo contest for the most “exchanges” navigated this April. Do you want to quid pro quo? It can open a whole new world.